Podcast · Film & TV

Cate & Ty Break It Down

Join Tyler and Catelynn Baltierra, one of the OG couples from MTV's 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom , who showcased adoption first-hand, as they dive into life beyond reality TV. They share the ups, downs, and everything in between of marriage, parenthood, and personal growth. With candid stories, c

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 4 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 59 min

Family Preservation & Systemic Reform with Renee Gellin of Saving Our Sisters (SOS)

In Part 2 of conversation, Renee and Tyler pivot toward solutions, systemic accountability, and what Saving Our Sisters (SOS) really does. Renee details how temporary crises like housing affordability and broken support networks push women toward adoption—and how providing just a few weeks of rent, basic supplies, or simple encouragement can preserve families. They also discuss human rights issues in adoption; such as sealed birth certificates, lack of informed consent, and the absence of legal copies of signed paperwork.Thank you to our sponsors!Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E85 · 30 Sep 2026 · 1 hr
Deconstructing Birth Parent Stereotypes with Renee Gellin, founder of Saving Our Sisters (SOS)
In Part 1 of today's interview, Tyler sits down with Renee Gellin, founder of Saving Our Sisters (SOS), to explore her personal experience with infant relinquishment and the systemic issues within private adoption. Renee recounts the "perfect storm" of temporary crises that led her to relinquish her son in 2011. Tyler and Renee unpack common industry misconceptions, breakdown the psychological impact on existing siblings, the history of open adoption as an industry survival strategy, and how unfulfilled open adoption promises create lasting trauma for birth families. See Privacy Policy at…
E84 · 23 Sep 2026 · 51 min
All You Have Is Love: a documentary with Lisa Elaine Scott
Tyler and Cate return for Part 2 with filmmaker, and adoptee, Lisa Elaine Scott to discuss her upcoming documentary, All You Have Is Love. For more info on the film and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit https://allyouhaveislove.comFor all inquiries about the film, you can reach Lisa directly at [email protected], and follow @allyouhaveislovefilm for updates.Thank you to our sponsors!Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
E83 · 16 Sep 2026 · 57 min
Exposing the Infant Adoption Industry: An Exposé with Lisa Elaine Scott
In today's episode, Tyler and Cate sit down with filmmaker and adoptee Lisa Elaine Scott to discuss her upcoming documentary, All You Have Is Love. Drawing from her experience as a Baby Scoop era adoptee, Lisa exposes the hidden realities of the multi-billion dollar infant adoption industry and examines how open adoption is often used as a marketing tool. Together, they offer an unique look at the different complexities of open adoption, the struggles and quiet grief of birth parents, and the urgent need for transparency to help prevent unnecessary infant adoptions.COME BACK FOR PART 2!For…
E82 · 9 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
The Legal Realities of Adoption feat. Elle and Bri
This is the FINAL PART of a three-part discussion!Cate and Tyler finish their conversation with Elle and Bri talking about the importance of having original birth certificates, education on guardianship & kinship, and the framework to differentiate between healthy boundaries and demands. Also, comments about the modern adoption industry being predatory and profit-driven, and that it ultimately takes advantage of and serves as a disservice to all involved: birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adoptees themselves.Follow Bri: https://www.tiktok.com/@briinthemakingFollow Elle on YouTube and…
E81 · 2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 28 min
The Unredacted Truth, Self-Gaslighting & Why Adoption Isn’t Always Necessary feat. Bri and Elle
Cate and Tyler are back with Bri and Elle to continue PART 2! The group continue discussing the misunderstandings the audience has had with Cate & Ty's story, the infamous text messages, and more about Bri's experience with religious aspects of adoption. They break down the different options available when it comes to placing a child in a safe environment.Follow Bri: https://www.tiktok.com/@briinthemakingFollow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok!This is PART 2 of a three-part discussion!Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit…
E80 · 26 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 35 min
Maternal Health Crisis: Lindsay Clancy feat. Alé Cardinalle
Join Ty and Alé (@wildheartcollective) as they go through the complex realities of maternal mental health, using the high-profile Lindsay Clancy case. Sharing her own journey through a psychiatric emergency, Alé sheds light on the invisible struggles of severe depression and dissociation, while highlighting why the current mental health and crisis support systems continue to fail vulnerable mothers. Together with Tyler, they examine the critical importance of proactive care, systemic accountability, and hyper-vigilance in supporting those battling postpartum crises.Thank you to our…
E79 · 19 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Elle & Bri Unite to Deconstruct the Adoption Industry
Cate and Tyler sit down with marriage and family therapist, and fellow adoptee, Bri to pull back the curtain on the American adoption industry. Moving past standard narratives, they openly discuss the grief and systemic flaws of the birth-parent journey, and how "open adoption" can be leveraged as a coercive tool. From deconstructing hospital postpartum pressure to exploring child-centric alternatives like kinship care and legal guardianship, this conversation is an urgent look at institutional accountability and the true impact of adoption.Follow Bri:…
E78 · 12 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Kicked Out of the Congregation: Rebuilding Spirituality with Desirée
In this episode of Cate and Ty, Tyler sits down with Desiree (@mojaveandwolf) to explore the messy, beautiful landscape of religious deconstruction. After being abruptly cast out of her church community, Desiree shares how she rebuilt a solid, unshakeable spiritual foundation from the ground up. From uncovering the lost gospels to understanding the power of collective consciousness, this conversation serves as a gateway to anyone wanting to follow their curiosity outside of the traditional box.Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit…
E77 · 5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
Dr. Kristin Kirkland: When Adoption and Human Trafficking Intersect
In this episode, Tyler sits down with Dr. Kristen Kirkland for a multi-layered conversation about the complexities of the adoption industry. Drawing from her professional background in public health and her personal experience as a private infant adoptee, Dr. Kirkland shares her journey of coming out of the adoption "FOG" (Fear, Obligation, and Guilt) and recognizing the parallels between private infant adoption in America and the legal definitions of human trafficking.Dr. Kirkland also discusses briefly the goal of her book Orphan Sunday is the Worst (slated for Spring 2028), which examines…
E76 · 29 Jul 2026 · 59 min
Breaking Cycles: Addiction & Kinship Adoption with Amber Boone (PART 2)
In this part 2, Amber Boone returns to unpack the beautiful and complex reality of motherhood across generations. Amber shares her journey of becoming a grandmother at 32, navigating the shock of her daughter’s teenage pregnancy, and the battle against a broken foster care system to bring her granddaughter home. She explains the devastating toll of addiction, the long road to three years of recovery, and the unique, often confusing dynamics of co-parenting a grandchild you’ve legally adopted. Amber opens up about the generational trauma she’s working to undo, the importance of choosing…
E75 · 22 Jul 2026 · 57 min
Young Grandma Amber Boone: Escaping Domestic Abuse & Blended Family Dynamics (PART 1)
In part one of this conversation, Cate and Tyler sit down with fellow Detroiter Amber Boone (@getrealwithab). She opens up about the reality behind her viral 25-million-view TikTok, surviving severe childhood trauma and system failures, escaping a life-threatening teenage marriage, and talks about the complexities of navigating generational trauma as a helicopter mom—only to watch her own daughter follow closely in her footsteps.This is PART 1 of a two-part discussion!Thank you to our sponsors!Arya: Get $10 off your first month at GetArya.com/CATEANDTYMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15%…
E74 · 15 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
The Day I Grew Up: Finding Out My Cousin Was My Mother (PART 2)
Cate is back with D.A. (@difficult.adoptee) to continue the exploration of trauma, systemic failure, and survival. DA shares her journey of growing up in a controlling, highly restrictive kinship adoption and the moment she realized her family was built on performance and lies. From navigating a volatile reunion with her biological mother and a dangerous encounter with her biological father, DA reflects on the systemic lack of regulation in kinship placements. She also shares the layering grief of losing her infant son in the second trimester, drawing powerful parallels to her own mother’s…
E73 · 8 Jul 2026 · 55 min
The Cousin Who Was Actually My Mother: Kinship Adoption with D.A. (PART 1)
In this deeply personal episode of Break It Down, guest D.A. (@difficult.adoptee) joins the show to deconstruct her experience growing up within a kinship adoption. She shares her journey of discovering at age seven that the woman she thought was her cousin was actually her biological mother. She discusses navigating preverbal trauma, surviving a toxic and narcissistic home environment, and the challenges of advocating for her own mental health as a teenager in a system that often preferred silence over real healing.This is PART 1 of a two-part discussion! Thank you to our sponsors!Better…
E72 · 1 Jul 2026 · 40 min
Camping Trip Recap & Summer Routine
Mercury is in retrograde and out to get us. Cate & Ty are back from their camping trip and share how they plan to keep up with the kids this summer. They share their thoughts on the double standards between young girls and boys when it comes to dressing "appropriate"Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first monthQuince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at…
E71 · 24 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
ENCORE Genetic Mirroring and Brain Wiring: Understanding Adoptee Development w/ Psychotherapist Amy Silvia
Let's revisit an episode from 2025Cate & Ty sit down with psychotherapist and adoptee Amy Silvia (@psychotherapist.amy_) , who shares her personal journey through the Baby Scoop Era and the complex process of reconnecting with her birth family. Drawing on decades of clinical experience working with thousands of adoptees and birth parents, Amy unpacks the profound impact of genetic mirroring, attachment trauma, and the crucial need for "adoptee-focused" therapy. Amy sheds light on the crucial difference between "adoption competence" and truly "adoptee-focused" care, highlighting the mental…
E70 · 17 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
ENCORE Dr. Abby Hasberry: Navigating Adoption as an Adoptee and Birth Mother
Let us go back into the vault and listen to an episode from 2025 when Cate & Ty sat down with Dr. Abby, a transracial adoptee, birth mother, and adoption-informed therapist. Dr. Abby breaks down the true meaning of informed consent in adoption, revealing the systemic issues and personal traumas often hidden beneath the surface. She also shares her personal journey, from her coerced relinquishment as a teenage birth mother to her own experience as an adoptee navigating identity and reunion.For more information visit https://adoptingprivilege.com/Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This…
E69 · 10 Jun 2026 · 43 min
Deep Thoughts with Nova: Space, Dress Codes, and School Bullies
Summer is officially here, and Nova is back on the mic to break it all down! Fresh out of the fifth grade, Nova sits down with Mom to tackle a lightning round of fun and thought-provoking questions from the "Children Are Human" card deck. From her current obsession with The Sims and the mind-bending physics of colliding black holes, to a blunt critique of the middle school dress code and what it really means to stand up to school bullies, Nova pulls no punches.Thank you to our sponsors!Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code CATETY at checkout. Download Saily app…
E68 · 3 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Pregnant at 13: Bri's Story
Bri shares her incredible journey from childhood abuse and foster care to becoming a mother at 14. She opens up about being groomed by an adult predator, navigating the foster system, resisting adoption pressure, and fighting to keep her child against overwhelming odds. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the experiences and turning points that shaped her life and led her to where she is today.https://www.tiktok.com/@briinthemakingThank you to our sponsors!K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownBetter Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit…
E67 · 27 May 2026 · 1 hr
Unexpected Updates & The Amanda Arrest Fallout feat. Elle Bee
Cate, Ty, and Elle dive into the latest shocking updates surrounding Unexpected, including Hunter and Bella’s breakup, custody developments, and the ongoing court drama involving their families. The conversation then shifts into a deeper discussion about reality TV ethics, child exploitation, addiction, and the pressures that come with growing up in the public eye. They also react to the recent Amanda arrest news, relapse concerns, and the emotional impact addiction has on families, recovery, and children caught in the middle. Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok!Thank you to our sponsors!K12…
E66 · 20 May 2026 · 51 min
The Matriarch, 16&Pregnant Reflections and Anonymous Secrets
Cate and Ty are finally back in today's episode! The episode begins with Tyler sharing stories of his late grandmother, a resilient matriarch who raised eight children. Ty also shares his dream he had of her the night before her passing. They shift to discussing the upcoming Hollywood Demons series and the positive impact 16&Pregnant had on their lives. Lastly, the episode ends with some anonymous secrets, featuring some wild family mingling and sabotaging someone's birth control.Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit…
E65 · 13 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
TLC's Unexpected: Reality TV and Leaked Truths feat. Elle Bee
Cate is joined again by Elle Bee (@ellebee_official) to break down TLC's Unexpected. They share their concerns regarding the custody case of Bella and Hunter, and their newborn child. Cate and Elle both share their experiences and opinions on fame, healthy family dynamics, and the exploitation in reality television.Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok!Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first monthK12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownKiwico: Get $10 off on your…
E64 · 6 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
ENCORE Unconditional Love, Empathy & Human Connection with David Shane
Cate & Ty sit down with David Shane (@davidbshane), an adoptee who shares stories of love, mindfulness, and human connections on social media, but one day decided to share his journey of being contacted by his biological mother. David opens up about his upbringing, filled with open communication from his adoptive parents, which instilled in him a strong sense of self from a young age. He shares how the reunion with his biological younger sister, and eventually biological parents, came with emotional challenges and expectations, and the aftermath. Cate and Ty discuss with David about the…
E63 · 29 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Ask Me Anything: Solo Session
For this week, Cate does a rare solo Q&A session, also recapping the current sickness sweeping through the Baltierra household. She delves deep into her 17-year journey with Teen Mom, providing some behind-the-scenes insight of reality TV production and reflecting on the impact of documenting their open adoption journey. Cate also hints at an upcoming project for MTV/Paramount that has them heading out to record in the coming weeks!Thank you to our sponsors!K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at…
E62 · 22 Apr 2026 · 59 min
ENCORE Q&A: Abortion, Leaked Photos and Being Soul Mates
Cate & Ty dive into listener questions, tackling some personal topics such as whether Cate considered abortion when she found out she was pregnant. Her and Ty talk about the fear and panic surrounding an unplanned pregnancy at sixteen, emphasizing the importance of an educated decision when facing a crisis pregnancy. They also provide an update on their relationship with adoption facilitator Dawn, and discuss the complex state of their open adoption with their daughter Carly. Cate & Ty address the leaked photos of Carly, discussing the irony of being vilified for sharing their story while…
E61 · 15 Apr 2026 · 57 min
ENCORE Being in our 30s & Growing Up with an Absent Father
Cate & Ty are in downtown Detroit for today, feeling "old and lame" after staying up until 5am. They talk about the struggles of getting older, their mutual love for the "Irish Goodbye" and how Tyler doesn't like it when plans are altered. Things get serious when Cate asks about the impact of Tyler’s absent father, whose life was defined by addiction and time in prison. Tyler shares his earliest childhood memory—being a toddler and waking up to the flashlights of bounty hunters outside their trailer. He also reflects on the challenge of having to "burn down the fantasy" of an…
E60 · 8 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
Hope with Holly: Reclaiming Female Autonomy
This week, Tyler sits down with Holly from Hope with Holly. They discuss her journey with Christian fundamentalism and how she was able to break away. From attending Liberty University and marrying into a religious family to the devastating loss of her first daughter, which became the catalyst for her deconstruction, Holly details how and why she's so passionate in helping other women find their autonomy.For more information visit stan.store/HopeWithHollyThank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off…
E59 · 1 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
The Catfish in the Room: Addressing Controversy & Social Media with Elle Bee (Part 2)
Cate & Ty continue with Elle Bee (@ellebee_official) in this Part 2 to explore the complexities of life in the public eye. She discusses the world of content creation, from vetting exclusive stories to managing the burnout that comes with 24/7 reporting. The conversation then shifts to Tyler and Cate's 16 and Pregnant journey. They address long-standing rumors, clarifying the reality of their back-and-forth decisions and the lack of support systems for teen parents when they already come from high risk families. Tyler also talks about the leaked message controversy, explaining the impact of…
E58 · 25 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
From the Bathroom Closet to YouTube Fame feat. Elle Bee
In this two-part episode, Cate & Ty welcome Teen Mom content creator Elle Bee (@ellebee_official) for a deep dive into her life and career. Elle opens up about growing up with teen parents, navigating her mother’s four marriages, and how childhood experiences with yelling and abuse shaped her "helicopter mom" parenting style. Elle recounts her journey from recording makeup reviews in a cramped bathroom closet to becoming a prominent voice in the Teen Mom commentary space. She also speaks on the ethics of reality TV coverage and the moment she realized the stars she discussed were actually…
E57 · 18 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Beyond the Reality TV Lens feat. Rei Clarke
In today's episode, Cate is joined by friend and content creator Rei Clarke (@rei_clarke) to discuss life's transitions and the power of breaking generational cycles. Ray shares her journey from debt collector to content creator, her experiences with burnout, and her dedication to advocating for children in the public eye. Cate reflects on the challenges of raising daughters in the spotlight and the importance of creating a safe environment. It's a conversation about growth, friendship, and staying true to oneself!Thank you to our sponsors!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by…

About Cate & Ty Break It Down

Cate & Ty Break It Down is a English film & tv podcast from PodcastOne. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: PodcastOne
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 4 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1791855880

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